New year, new trainer Start and finish the year healthy
Artful ambition Poles with a purpose
Natural beauty DIY products
JANUARY 2020
Learn how to make homemade beauty products on Page 19. ABOUT THE COVER Dan. D. Chase, director of fitness and training for Latte Built 24hr Fitness and Nutrition LLC. Photo by D&R Visuals
4 Calendar
January events
5-7 Artist
Poles with a purpose
9-11 Sports
Start and finish the year healthy
14-15 Health
A healthy dose of resolutions
16 Recipe
Pika slow cooker chili
19-21 Beauty
DIY products
22-23 On the Road
Event photos and special messages
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beachroadmagazine
Glimpses Media include: Marianas Business Journal, MBJ Life, Guam Business Magazine, Real Estate Journal, Buenas, Beach Road Magazine, Drive Guam, Pocket Deals
PUBLISHER Maureen N. Maratita MANAGING EDITOR Steve Graff EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Morgan Legel REPORTERS Wayne Chargualaf Rianne Peredo CREATIVE CONTENT MANAGER Vikki Fong DESIGN & PRODUCTION Conrad Calma Jr. Luisa Joy Castro Sean Davis Vandrick Veloria MEDIA SALES Marlon Regaton MEDIA SALES MANAGER Mike Mafnas DIRECTOR Ken Duenas MANAGING DIRECTOR Marcos W. Fong Beach Road Magazine, January 2020. Entire contents copyrighted 2020 by Glimpses of Saipan Inc. Beach Road Magazine is published monthly by Glimpses of Saipan Inc. P.O. Box 502080, Saipan, MP 96950 • 2/F Transpac Business Center Gualo Rai, Saipan • Tel: (670) 235-7645 • Fax: (670) 234-1801 • E-mail: saipan@ glimpsesofguam.com. All rights reserved. No material may be printed in part or in whole without written permission from the publisher.
Glimpses of Guam Inc. Mission Statement: To connect people with information.
JANUARY EVENTS JAN. 3
JAN. 16
Saipan Morning Run Time: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Location: Grandvrio Resort Saipan Fee: Free Beginning and ending at Grandvrio Resort Saipan in Garapan, this 7.6K event is organized by Marianas Visitors Authority and Pacific Development Inc. and open to visitors and residents. Beginning with every Friday in December, this January run is the last of its series. Contact: Email info@mymarianas.com
Saipan Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Membership Committee Meeting Time: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Location: Suite 315, 3rd Floor, Marianas Business Plaza Fee: Free The Saipan Young Professionals Committee is the voice of the young professionals representing various businesses in the community. The committee aims to effectively promote, support, and develop young professionals. Saipan Young Professionals Committee Meeting is held the third Thursday of every month. Contact: (670) 234-7150
JAN. 6 Saipan Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee Meeting Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Location: Suite 315, 3rd Floor, Marianas Business Plaza Fee: Free The Saipan Chamber of Commerce's mission is to empower its enterprises as a resource, advocate, and connector for Saipan’s private sector. Its committee meeting is held on the first Monday of every month, where members discuss current events and issues within the organization. Contact: (670) 234-7150
JAN. 31 Tottot Family Bash Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Location: Dandan Middle School Fee: Free Tottot Family Bash is Dandan’s biggest Parent Teacher Student Association fundraiser event of the school year. From raffle tickets and prizes to game booths and food, there will be lots of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Contact: Dandan Middle School 664-5025 (Main Office)
JANUARY
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JANUARY 2020
ARTIST
Photo by D&R Visuals
Project Haligi: Art with a purpose By Rianne Peredo When Typhoon Mangkhut and Super Typhoon Yutu hit the Northern Mariana Islands in September and October 2018, respectively, it destroyed many of the utility poles around Saipan, Tinian and Rota. Workers would spend the following months of storm recovery making new concrete utility poles to replace the broken ones. That’s when Meena Benavente had an idea — a creative one. “I asked the first lady [Diann Torres] what she thought about painting the poles,” says Benavente, the librarian of Marianas High School. “Her goal is culture and language preservation — it connects. It’s a great way to invite students to be a part of it.” Known as Project Haligi, the artistic effort launched in July 2019, nine months after Super Typhoon Yutu passed through the region. It started on Saipan and extended to Rota and Tinian thereafter. “Haligi” is the Chamorro word for pole. “The main idea is to use the project for artists to come out and give our community hope after Super Typhoon
Yutu and a final face lift [to the NMI],” Benavente says. The project was launched by the Lady Diann Torres Foundation, Marianas Visitors Authority and other partners. Sponsors of the project include Tasi Tours, the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. and the Rotary Club of Saipan. The themes of the painted utility poles vary from aquatic life to the flora and fauna found in the NMI. The poles must also feature Chamorro or Refaluwasch descriptive words for the artwork. As of November 2019, 44 utility poles have been painted; 33 painted utility poles are in Saipan and 11 are in Rota. Project Haligi has a goal of approximately 220 utility poles to be painted within the NMI. The Project Haligi committee consists of Benavente, Torres; Tatiana Babauta, product development manager of the Marianas Visitors Authority; Naomi Santos, product development specialist of MVA; Masato Tezuka, president of Tasi Tours; and Claudia Flores, program coordinator of the Lady Diann Torres Foundation. Artists must apply to participate; after their application is submitted to the committee, it is accepted or denied. JANUARY 2020
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ARTIST
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JANUARY 2020
ARTIST
The artists specify where they want to paint, and it is usually granted by the committee. During the first month of the project, Benavente tried to paint as many utility poles as possible. However, that proved to be a big challenge. “My personal obstacle was completing a set of poles after a week. I kind of lost my motivation after a while. I thought I was going to be so excited and finish in time. Art forces you to get in touch with your emotions...[it’s] an outlet for all the pain and trauma done by the storm,” she says. She is currently working on painting five utility poles, which will feature an aquatic theme with seashells and starfishes. There is no set end date for Project Haligi currently, and the committee is still accepting applications from volunteers. “We are definitely seeking more artists and also accepting donations,” says Benavente. Volunteers must be at least 11 years old to participate, as well as have parental consent and supervision if they are minors. Supplies, such as paint and brushes, are provided to volunteers. “[We want the artists to] project positive emotions and show the spirit of our community through these poles. It makes me warm inside, seeing each one of them,” Benavente says. “Sometimes, the pieces of artwork you see — you see it on paper. But when you see it on the poles, it’s totally unexpected. You don’t imagine the impact that you can get from a single telephone pole.”
Artists interested in participating in Project Haligi should contact the following Marianas Visitors Authority personnel: SAIPAN Naomi Santos Telephone: (670) 664-3200 Email: nsantos@mymarianas.com
TINIAN Vida Borja Email: vborja@mymarianas.com Telephone: (670) 433-9365
ROTA Sandra Atalig Telephone: (670) 532-0327 Email: satalig@mymarianas.com Photos by D&R Visuals and courtesy of CNMI Youth Affairs JANUARY 2020
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COVER FEATURE/SPORTS
DON’T DROP THE BALL ON HEALTH AND FITNESS THIS NEW YEAR By Morgan Legel It’s January — the month when people make ambitious resolutions to better themselves physically, emotionally and mentally. Most people would agree that one popular way to better yourself is to get into the habit of going to the gym. But going to the gym is hard to begin with and staying with those good habits is even harder. That’s where a personal trainer comes in. “The problem a lot of people fail at [when it comes to] New Year’s resolutions is they have a grand idea,” says Dan D. Chase, director of fitness and training for Latte Built 24hr Fitness & Nutrition LLC. “But they don’t know how to get there.” Chase says that when someone wants to begin their gym journey, a personal trainer can lay out the steps to help them achieve their goal. “If you plan to succeed, you will succeed,” he says. “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” He urges newcomers that working with a professional is a necessity.
“Professional athletes still have other coaches outside of their sport coach,” Chase says. “Learn from the professional athletes.” After all, it is their job to be fit. The good news, Chase says, is that some people are letting go of their “new year, new me” ways. “Throughout the last couple years, gyms have not seen [customers] spiking as much [in the early months] because people are starting to realize fitness is a year-round thing… More people are staying with fitness throughout the year.” Chase served in the Marine Corps until 1996, when he decided he wanted to be a trainer and work in the fitness field. Following this dream, he attended the University of North Texas to study both kinesiology and business entrepreneurship. After graduating with his bachelor’s, he continued his education, earning his master’s in education at Notre Dame College and a doctorate in divinity at Universal Life Monastery. As the director of fitness and training at Latte Built, Chase’s job is to teach the trainers — from tips and tricks he learned from his 26 years in the fitness business on the mainland to a better way to communicate with each other
Photo by D&R Visuals JANUARY 2020
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COVER FEATURE/SPORTS
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COVER FEATURE/SPORTS
“The biggest obstacle getting people through our doors and become members is their fear of the unknown,” says Derek A. Cutting, founder and owner, Latte Built 24hr Fitness & Nutrition LLC. and clients to reach all goals. And, if he does his job, he says, the clients may not need him anymore. “As a trainer, my business is to put myself out of business,” he says. If the trainers can give each client personalized tips and exercises, eventually that client will be able to do those things on their own. They leave, and another person in need of help takes their place. Derek A. Cutting, founder and owner, Latte Built 24hr Fitness & Nutrition LLC., says the first months of the year are important for the gym because of the newcomers bringing in business, even though there are people who have begun a year-round fitness schedule. “As a business owner, [the New Year] is my biggest time of sign ups and enrollment,” he says. The gym even does promotions for the first week of January to entice people to begin their gym journey. Latte Built has 12 employees and 600 regular members. Cutting expects 2020 to be his best year yet.
Photo by D&R Visuals
JANUARY 2020 11
HEALTH
A healthy dose of resolutions
By Rianne Peredo The New Year’s Day celebration originates from an ancient Roman custom, which was the feast day of the Roman god, Janus. Janus was depicted with two faces in Roman mythology looking into the past and future. The Romans would make promises to Janus for forgiveness and blessings. This custom transitioned into New Year’s resolutions — usually focused on self-improvement — in the present day. Beach Road asked local residents about their health and wellness-related New Year’s resolutions for this year.
“I have my New Year’s resolutions that I am very excited about — practicing body kindness, taking better care of myself and finding more ways to increase my financial stability to make purchases that contribute to my happiness and well-being.”
– MAXINE LASZLO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SAIPAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
“My New Year’s resolutions are to continue to lose weight by incorporating more exercise and outdoor activities into my weekly routine. I have neglected a lot of my former favorite activities like hiking, snorkeling and fishing.”
– JOHN BLANCO, INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR AND ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, MOUNT CARMEL SCHOOL
14 JANUARY 2020
HEALTH
“Some resolutions I have for 2020 are changes in my eating habits like cutting out ice cream and cookies and adding more protein to my diet. Another important goal is to keep up with my mental health. I think that mental health is just as important as physical health.”
– KATHERINE M. JOHNSON, HOSPITALITY STAFF MEMBER, AQUA RESORT CLUB AND MISS FIRE NORTHERN MARIANAS 2019
“I, personally, don’t do resolutions. I wouldn’t say I don’t believe in them; I just don’t follow them. I would rather do it all year long because there’s no reason you should let it go and start again. I don’t care about what date it is — I want to stay with it.”
– DEREK A. CUTTING, FOUNDER AND OWNER, LATTE BUILT 24HR FITNESS & NUTRITION LLC
Health and wellness resolutions topped the list in a 2018 online survey of 1,215 adults: “Which, if any, of the following New Year’s resolutions do you plan to make for 2019?” Exercise more: 59% Eat healthier: 54% Save money: 51% Lose weight: 48% Reduce stress: 38% Stick to a budget: 35% Get more sleep: 31% Spend more time with family: 30% Learn a new skill: 27% Travel more: 24% Source: YouGov
JANUARY 2020 15
RECIPE
PIKA SLOW COOKER CHILI Looking
for
an
easy,
no-stress meal? Look no further! This slow cooker chili takes inspiration from mainland winter traditions and adds a little island spice to the mix. Perfect for weeknights or multiple meals on the weekend.
INGREDIENTS • 4-6 lb beef chuck roast • 2 tbsp coconut oil • Salt and pepper for roast • 4 cloves minced garlic • 2 diced onions, any kind • 2-4 diced boonie peppers • 1 diced jalepeno • 1 cup beef broth • 2 14 oz. cans red kidney beans , drained • 28 oz. crushed tomato • 1/2 cup tomato paste • Chili powder • 2 tbsp of coconut water • 1 tbsp cornstarch
TIP
DIRECTIONS 1. Cut chuck roast into smaller portions, about ½ pound a piece. (If it’s a four lb roast, it should be cut into eight pieces.) Season pieces with equal parts salt and pepper. If desired, garlic powder can be added to seasoning as well. 2. Heat 1 tbsp of coconut oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add roast, browning all sides. Take out of pan and set into crock pot. 3. Without rinsing the skillet, add the other tbsp of coconut oil and the garlic, onion and boonie and jalepeno peppers. Sauté until edges turn light brown. Once caramelized, add ½ cup of beef broth and heat until boiling. Make sure to stir frequently, scraping the bottom of the skillet so any leftover flavors can dissolve into the liquid. Transfer to slow cooker. 4. With the beef and broth mixture already in the slow cooker, add beans, tomato, half of tomato paste, additional beef broth and chili powder. Give a big stir, and cover; cook on low for eight hours or on high for five. 5. After time allotment, remove the roast pieces from slow cooker and shred. Place roast back in slow cooker and add the other half of tomato paste. Mix coconut water with cornstarch and cook another 20 to 30 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken a bit.
This chili can be garnished and served with anything — from classic cheese and crackers, to sour cream, cilantro and salsa, and even to coconut shavings and rice!
16 JANUARY 2020
BEAUTY
Homemade Natural Beauty BY WAYNE CHARGUALAF
Everyone wants to look and feel their best. That’s why beauty products are a multi-billion-dollar industry. But as more and more people strive to use natural, organic ingredients — whether out of concerns for health, the environment or both — navigating the maze of conventional beauty products to steer clear of chemical ingredients may seem like a tall order. What’s one to do? One answer is to remember that people have been making themselves look beautiful for thousands of years before the modern era, simply by using the resources they found around them in nature. It’s in that spirit that Merle Hudkins founded Natural Nail Spa 2015 — a spa that offers everything from pedicures and manicures to facials, body scrubs and massages — in Gualo Rai. “I'm a member of the Soroptomists here in Saipan, and one time we had a girl’s night out where we made laundry detergent, body soap and other cleaning stuff with natural products,” she says. “I started to get more into it — making lotions, body scrubs and things like that.”
Hudkins had already been trying to think of ideas for a new business, and since she had been experimenting with organic beauty products, an all-natural spa seemed the obvious choice. “The products we use for our manicures and pedicures, our soap, everything is back to basics — baking soda and epsom salt, for instance,” Hudkins says. “The scrubs we use have a lot of essential oils and natural products.” Although Natural Nail Spa goes to every length to use all-natural ingredients, Hudkins admits it can be difficult to get completely away from using toxic chemicals. “We can’t get away from everything, but we do what we can,” she says. “Our products are sulfate free and paraben free, for instance.” But what if you want to make your own natural beauty products at home? Below we have two examples of toxinfree, do-it-yourself beauty products from Hudkins that will keep your skin and hair looking their best.
JANUARY 2020 19
BEAUTY
20 JANUARY 2020
BEAUTY
Sugar scrub “This is the perfect recipe for beauty DIY beginners,” Hudkins says. “Sugar scrubs take under 10 minutes to make, and you can have fun customizing them with a variety of ingredients for your desired outcome.”
INGREDIENTS 1 cup granulated sugar, either white or brown 1/2 cup oil (olive oil and coconut oil work great) Essential oils of your preference (optional) 1 small wide-mouth glass mason jar
HOW TO MAKE IT • Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight container, such as a mason jar. • Use 1 tbsp as needed in the shower. Scrub skin with the mixture and rinse.
Coconut milk and honey hair mask “Coconut milk and honey are two of the most beneficial ingredients for our hair,” Hudkins says. “The coconut milk is rich in protein and essential fats our hair needs to become stronger, healthier and thicker. The honey has natural antibacterial nutrients. The mixture moisturizes hair and leaves it looking silky smooth and glossy.”
INGREDIENTS 7 oz. of coconut milk 2 tbsp of honey
HOW TO MAKE IT • Begin with mixing the coconut milk and honey together. Then apply the hair mask onto damp hair and massage into your scalp. This will stimulate blood flow and nourish your scalp to encourage hair growth. Leave the hair mask in for an hour before continuing with your normal hair wash shampoo. You may need to wash your hair twice as the buildup of product may leave your hair feeling slightly greasy.
JANUARY 2020 21
Photos by Marlon Regaton
The Marianas Visitors Authority held its Christmas in the Marianas opening at the Paseo De Marianas on Nov. 30.
Photos courtesy of Marianas Visitor Authority
On Dec. 7, Hell of the Marianas, a 100km bike race starting and ending at the Marianas Resort and Spa, was held by the Northern Marianas Cycling Federation.
Photos by Marlon Regaton
First Lady Diann Torres and Second Lady Wella Palacios, in coordination with different businesses and government agencies, opened their 2019 Christmas Village on Dec. 6. Photos taken on Dec. 8.
22 JANUARY 2020
ON THE ROAD
Photos by Gerardo Almine
On Dec. 14, a Christmas parade led to the Paseo de Marianas in Garapan. Different schools and services of Saipan participated in the parade.
Photos by Marlon Regaton
The Rotary Club of Saipan’s annual Las Vegas night was held at Hibiscus Hall in Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan on Nov. 30.
Photo by Marlon Regaton
The Department of Public Works held a ribbon cutting for the precinct five road improvement projects from Papago to Kagman, at the new bridge on Lalanghita Rd in Kagman on Dec. 11.
For more On The Road photos, visit BRM's Facebook page. Submit your photos, with a caption, to media_coordinator@glimpsesofguam.com. JANUARY 2020 23
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